Who Set the Lottery Seller on Fire in Midnapore?

Synopsis
In a shocking incident in Midnapore, a lottery seller was set ablaze by unidentified attackers. Eyewitnesses describe a harrowing scene as locals rushed to save the victim, who now faces life-threatening injuries. This disturbing event raises serious concerns about rising crime and law enforcement's response in the area.
Key Takeaways
- Surajit Sau was attacked by unknown miscreants in Midnapore.
- He is currently in a critical condition following severe burns.
- Witnesses reported the assailants fled immediately after the act.
- Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
- Community leaders are calling for greater police action against rising violence.
Kolkata, May 25 (NationPress) In a tragic episode, a lottery seller was engulfed in flames by unidentified assailants on the streets of Midnapore, located in the West Midnapore district of West Bengal on Saturday.
After locals managed to douse the fire, they promptly transported the lottery seller to a nearby hospital, aided by police, and later to a facility in Kolkata.
The injured individual, Surajit Sau, is in a grave condition with slim chances of recovery.
Witnesses recounted that on Saturday morning, as Sau was manning his modest roadside lottery stall, a band of assailants approached, drenched him in petrol, and set him ablaze.
The perpetrators fled the scene instantly, while the victim bolted from his stall, running aimlessly and shouting for help.
"He was frantically running down a lane crowded with vehicles, which could have led to an even greater disaster," stated a local observer.
Eventually, some nearby youths managed to reach him and put out the flames.
Officers from the local police station quickly transported the victim to a nearby hospital.
Given the severity of his burn injuries, he was later transferred to a hospital in Kolkata.
Community members informed the police that Sau had been receiving extortion threats from local miscreants due to his operation of a small tea stall.
"Three assailants arrived on a motorcycle and fled the scene after igniting Sau," reported a witness.
A police spokesperson indicated that a thorough investigation is underway, including a review of local CCTV footage.
Authorities suspect that the assailants may have been familiar with Sau.
Local leaders from the BJP have claimed that the activities of anti-social elements in Midnapore have surged significantly, and the local law enforcement appears hesitant to act despite numerous complaints from residents.